Curle: Most Disappointing Defeat

Notts County were not good enough where it mattered in Saturday’s loss to Hartlepool United, says Keith Curle.

Pools moved in front after just five minutes, when James Poole rifled into the roof of the net at close range.

Jamal Campbell-Ryce levelled the scores after the break with a wonderful finish from the right flank but, with 20 minutes remaining, Peter Hartley grabbed the decisive goal and County’s winless run at Victoria Park, which stretches back to 1959, was extended.

Curle was deeply disappointed by the outcome and felt that his team needed to be better in both penalty areas.

“There’s that nice side of the game between the two 18-yard boxes but then you’ve got to have that killer instinct and that level of aggression,” he said.

“It’s not the nice ball that’s rolled into your feet, sometimes, when the ball’s bouncing around, you’ve got to make those yours.

“Between the 18-yard boxes, we did well and got the ball down and played and caused them problems, more so in the second half.

“But, inside the 18-yard box is where the action is.”

He continued: “We still had chances to score but both 18-yard boxes is where you win and lose games.

“If you don’t defend your 18-yard box, people are going to step in and put the ball in the back of your net.